Page 73 of Ravaged Saints

He’s lying. Why is he lying?

Ryker’s gaze flicks between us, a slow smirk spreading across his face.

“Aspen?” Dante call for her, turning everyone’s attention to her. She stiffens, her hands clenching in her lap.

“I—” Her voice falters, and her wide eyes dart to me, silently begging for help. I give her a reassuring smile.

“I don’t know,” she whispers. “I mean—” She pauses, her gaze landing on Knox. He stiffens, his muscles tightening.

“You can be honest, doll,” Dante says, his tone gentle, his face with a soft smile, just for her…

“I feel an attraction to all of you,” she admits. “But unlike you, I don’t have the experience. And… things are moving too fast.”

Knox’s jaw tightens, but Dante gives him a warning look, forcing him to ease up.

“You regret what we did?” Knox asks, his words rough, though quieter, a trace of worry slipping through his usual command.

Her eyes snap to his, fire flashing in them. “No! Of course not! Do you?”

Knox frowns; he meets my eyes before looking back at her, his gaze softening. “Of course not, pet.”

Dante clears his throat. “Let’s recap. Bryn doesn’t mind sharing but wants Ethan’s approval. Aspen is still figuring things out, so we’re taking it slow. Sound about right?”

“Yes,” I say firmly, Ethan’s hand tightening on my thigh.

“Yes,” Aspen whispers.

Max stands up. “Well, let me use this moment to bring up something else.”

All eyes shift to him, and Dante smirks. “Since we’re all… well, not all, but—” Max stumbles over his words, and Dante slaps him on the back with a chuckle.

“We have some IUDs from a women’s clinic we raided months ago,” Dante says, his voice carrying that commanding yet soft edge that makes my heart beat faster. “We want to know if you ladies want them—to prevent pregnancies.”

Knox crosses his arms, frowning.

“What about condoms?” Ryker asks, his gaze flicking to me. We hadn’t used any protection, but I already have an IUD that’s still good.

“Most of them are past their expiration, and I don’t know how safe they are,” Max answers with a hint of worry.

“I want one,” Aspen says, and the guys turn to her.

Dante steps closer. “It hurts to put it in, and I’ll be the one doing it, doll.”

She nods without hesitation. “I trust you.”

Knox exhales sharply, stepping back before walking outside, tension thick in the air.

“And you, Bryn?” Max asks, his tone softer now.

I offer a small smile. “I already have one, and it’s still good.” I shrug, catching the flash of relief in Ryker’s eyes.

I stand up, and Ethan leans in and whispers, “Good girl, maybe I can trust.” He grabs my hand and pulls me down the stairs.

“You are going to tell me what’s going on?” I press, and he grins, a dangerous look in his eyes that makes me shiver.

“Maybe.”

Max

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